Re: Lease don't buy
It's the only way it will work.
Like with anything vaguely tech related, the early versions will be prohibitively expensive. Cars are already expensive. Early electric vehicles were similarly so, (IIRC the small nissan leaf cost a similar amount of cash to say, a petrol BMW that would be seen as having a superior spec), meaning those who care about such things as status and image were put off.
there will be a leap again in cost to automated vehicles, when mk1 comes rolling off the production lines they will be out of reach of the majority of buyers from a cost perspective.
The only way to get anywhere near one is to assume the "book a ride" type model will be the one to follow.
Obviously will change with time, like with anything as the early cost of R&D is clawed back, and the cost of making all the new things required drops.
Essentially the only model that will work initially is this sort of leasing or rental arrangement.
We'll pay £XXX per month to some company or other, in exchange for use of their vehicles when needed.
I can't see there being AVs priced the same as a small hatchback or average family car when they are launched.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
